Procedures For Reporting A Fire

Fires, regardless of size, must be reported to the University Police Department. Any person discovering a fire, regardless of type or size, should warn all building occupants by activating the fire alarm system, shouting, or by any other means available, and immediately notify the dispatcher of the University Police Department. There are several types of fire alarm systems in University buildings, therefore, all persons using any of these buildings should familiarize themselves with the means available to notify occupants of an emergency. When reporting a fire or other emergency, give the location of the fire or emergency, the building name, the caller’s name and any other information requested. Remain on the phone, if safe to do so, until released by the dispatcher.

All fires, regardless of size or even if out prior to discovery, must be reported to the EHS Office. As in the case of accident or injury reports, the information derived from these reports will assist in identifying those areas and conditions which constitute a particular fire hazard. The reports will be analyzed and, if possible, corrective action to eliminate the hazard will be taken immediately.

Drills

Emergency response drills should be conducted periodically in all University facilities. Fire drills are conducted each quarter for residential buildings, and annually for all other buildings equipped with a fire alarm system. All personnel in the building should take part in the fire drill and leave the building. During drills, a person should be assigned to observe the actions of personnel and check fire fighting equipment. Drill records should be kept by the administrative office(s) that planned the drill.

Training

Each department’s fire safety training program must ensure that all employees:

• know the locations of building fire alarm pull stations and how to activate them;
• know the locations of portable fire extinguishers and how to use them;
• know the locations of every exit in case the nearest is unusable.
• know general escape procedures, including routes and assigned meeting points a safe distance from the building.

Fire Safety Inspections

Inspections to locate and eliminate fire hazards are an indispensable element of the fire safety program. The EHS Office will perform or cause to be performed periodic inspections of all facilities of the University. The State of Alabama Fire Marshall’s Office and Livingston Fire Department may also conduct inspections. Reports of any inspections are available in the EHS Office.

Fire Suppression Equipment

All fire protection equipment is installed, tested and maintained in accordance with applicable National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards. Where local requirements are more stringent, they are applied. All fire equipment is inspected by licensed contractors at least annually, and more frequently as required by NFPA Standards. Visual inspections are performed by the EHS Office monthly.

Every building on campus and all maintenance vehicles have fire extinguishers. In buildings they are placed near room exits to help insure that an extinguisher is used only after an exit has been located. Three types of fire extinguishers are in use on campus. They have been selected according to the types of fire hazards present in each area. They are:

1. WATER (type A), in silver-colored canisters, for paper,wood or trash fires only;
2. DRY CHEMICAL (type ABC), in red or blue canisters, for ALL types of fires;
3. HALON-- can be used for all types of fires but are best for fires around computers or electronics because they don't have powder that can clog up equipment. They are red and "Halon" is printed in large green letters on them. Halon is a gas that takes oxygen out of the air to starve the fire, so be ready to leave the area as the extinguisher is discharged.

Fire extinguishers are simple to use: pull out the pin at the top, aim the nozzle at the base of the fire, and squeeze the handles. If an extinguisher is used, advise the Physical Plant so it can be replaced. Extinguishers must be recharged EVERY time they are used-- even if the gauge shows that there is still pressure inside. Fire safety training and training in the use of extinguishers is available from the EHS Office at the Physical Plant.